A partial shutdown of the United States federal government entered its second full day on Sunday and is expected to stretch into the coming week as lawmakers in Congress remain deadlocked over a funding agreement centered on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The shutdown began early Saturday after Congress failed to pass a complete set of appropriations bills before funding lapsed. While most government agencies are operating under temporary funding measures reached in late January, the dispute over DHS — particularly funding tied to immigration enforcement policies — has prevented a full resolution. _reuters
Legislative Impasse Over DHS Funding and Immigration Policy
At the heart of the standoff is a partisan disagreement over how and whether to fund immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration. Democrats have demanded significant reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the use of body cameras, removal of masks during operations, and judicial warrant requirements before searches — demands they say are necessary to protect civil liberties following recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
House Democrats have refused to provide the necessary votes to expedite a funding bill despite a deal struck in the Senate last week that would fund most of the federal government through September and extend DHS funding only for two weeks. That Senate agreement, negotiated with White House support, split DHS funding from other appropriations to allow time for further negotiations on immigration policy — a compromise Democrats in the House say is insufficient without firmer reforms.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have pushed back against Democratic demands, arguing that the funding and policy package must proceed under existing agreements and that broader negotiations are underway. Johnson expressed confidence that the impasse could be resolved and the shutdown ended by Tuesday, once the House returns from recess and begins the legislative process for final votes.
Impact on Federal Operations and Public Services
Unlike a full shutdown — such as the record 43-day closure in late 2025 — this partial shutdown affects only portions of federal operations tied to unapproved appropriations. Some government services continue uninterrupted, while others face delays or furloughs depending on their funding status.
Essential services tied to military, national security, and health programs remain operational under prior budget laws or stopgap measures. However, agencies without approved funding may scale back activities, potentially affecting permitting, grant processing, and administrative functions.
Political and Public Ramifications
The political tensions driving the funding impasse reflect broader national debates on immigration enforcement, civil rights, and legislative strategy. Democrats argue that fiscal responsibility must be paired with concrete reforms to federal enforcement agencies, while Republicans maintain that funding the government — and national security apparatuses — should not be contingent on policy negotiations they view as overly restrictive. _ap news
As the shutdown continues, both parties are preparing for a critical week in Washington. With a narrow Republican majority in the House and strong opposition from Democratic leadership, the outcome of the funding votes expected later this week will likely determine whether the shutdown soon ends or becomes entrenched. (vozafricano)
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